Lehigh Valley Zoo race relies on volunteers

While driving to work recently, I was listening to sports commentator Frank Deford ruminating about why, considering the billions in spending for the 2014 Super Bowl, there are already 16,000 people offering their volunteer services for this game. His point was that, in light of the obscene profits earned by this event, volunteers ought to be paid.

This got me thinking. I direct the Aug. 18 Run Wild at Lehigh Valley Zoo 5/10K and 1-mile family walk, a fundraiser for the zoo. I know how difficult it can sometimes be to get 60 volunteers for this great cause involving about 800 runners and walkers.

Lehigh Valley Zoo receives about 10 percent of its annual funding from Lehigh County. The other 90 percent comes from corporate donors and folks like you and me through our memberships and donations. Each year is a financial struggle to make ends meet and provide an excellent educational and entertaining experience.

Unfortunately, we don't see anyone out there on the horizon willing to offer us billions for advertising rights for our race so I can only ask that people consider volunteering to help, just like at the Super Bowl, for no pay. Visit our website, runwildatlvzoo5k.com, for information.